Examples of Shock Sensitive Chemicals

DOE-HDBK-1139/1-2000

upright, an explosion occurred and a fireball filled the fume hood. The slight handling of the can

was enough of a mechanical shock to cause peroxide crystals in the top portion of the can to

explode.

EXAMPLES OF SHOCK SENSITIVE CHEMICALS

The following are only examples. Not all members of the above classes may be or may become

shock sensitive. Likewise, some chemicals in classes not listed above may be or may become

shock sensitive. Currently there is no available methodology that would allow DOE to

create a thorough definition or an exhaustive list of shock sensitive or potentially shock

sensitive chemicals. Additional lists of chemicals or chemical classes of shock sensitive

chemicals have been published (2, 4, 5, 12, 15, 23).

Classes of Inherently Shock Sensitive Chemicals:

Azides:

Silver azide,

Organic azides,

Metal azides,

Nonmetal azides

(-N3 or N3-)

Acetylides of heavy metals:

Copper, silver, and mercury salts

(-CCH)

Amine oxide:

(=N+-O-)

Chlorite Salts:

Silver chlorite

(Cl02-)

Diazomethane,

(-N=N-) Diazonium salts (when dry),

benzene diazonium chloride

(-N2+)

Fulminates:

Fulminating Silver

(ONC-)

Haloamines:

Chloro benzyl amine

(-NHX)

D- 2